!California capital building and a sample AB 60 California Driver's License
In a handful of U.S. states, someone born outside the country can obtain a driver’s license despite lacking legal immigration status. (Such a person is often called an “undocumented immigrant” or “unauthorized immigrant.” You might also still hear the term “illegal alien,” though this phrase is viewed as offensive by many.) California is one of the states that issues driver’s licenses to eligible undocumented people. The law that permits this is widely known as AB 60, passed in 2023.
If you are undocumented, you'll want to read this article explaining California’s rules on getting a driver’s license and outlining the next steps to take in order to apply.
In This Article
Does Getting a California Driver’s License Make You Legal?
No. Getting a California driver’s license does NOT grant you any legal status in the United States. Only the U.S. federal government can legalize someone's immigration status—no state can do so.
What getting a California driver’s license means is that you are allowed to operate a vehicle within the state of California and to carry an identity card proving that fact. That's all. The California legislature passed this law primarily because of traffic safety. It noted various studies finding that around one in five fatal crashes involved a driver without a proper license, and that millions of California drivers lacked car insurance.
Does Having an AB 60 License Give You Permission to Work?
No. Having an AB 60 driver’s license does not give you the right to work in the United States. Federal law requires employers to verify that all employees have permission to work in the country, and an AB 60 license is not an acceptable document for this purpose. You can find the current list of documents that can be used to prove your work eligibility on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
In addition, you can’t use a California AB 60 license for a range of other federal purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), accessing federal buildings or military bases, applying for federal public benefits, and voting in U.S. elections.
Are You Eligible for a California AB 60 Driver’s License?
If you live in California but can’t show proof of legal presence in the United States, you might qualify for a driver’s license under AB 60. This option is open to undocumented people as well as some residents with temporary or uncertain immigration status (such as DACA or TPS recipients) who do not have the documents required for a regular motor vehicle license.
Under AB 60, you’re still required to satisfy California’s standard licensing rules, which means you must:
- meet the minimum age for the license you want (that’s usually 16 or older for a regular Class C license)
- show documents proving your identity and that you live in California, and
- successfully complete the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)’s written test, vision screening, and road test, just like every other applicant must.
You don’t need to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or any paperwork showing your immigration status. Instead, you will be asked to confirm that you are not eligible for an SSN or can’t provide evidence of legal presence.
What Documentation Do You Need to Obtain an AB 60 License?
To qualify for a California AB 60 driver’s license, you’ll need to provide documents that verify both your identity and your California residency.
Proof of identity. You can typically use a valid passport, consular card (matricula consular), or electoral card from your home country to prove that you are who you say you are.
Proof of California residency. You can use documents such as a rental or lease agreement, mortgage or utility bills, school, medical, insurance, bank, or employment records, or a letter from your place of worship in California. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, you must also provide a certified translation or an affidavit of translation.
For a full checklist of accepted documents, see the AB 60 Checklist on the California DMV website.
How Do You Apply for a California AB 60 Driver’s License?
Applying for a California AB 60 driver’s license follows a step-by-step process. Here’s what to do:
- Check current eligibility requirements and review the AB 60 Checklist.
- Fill out the driver’s license application form online or pick up a paper copy at a DMV office if you prefer.
- Make an appointment at a DMV office. You can also usually just walk in, but wait times can be long.
- Bring your required documents to the DMV to verify your identity and California residency.
- Take the written knowledge test and, if needed, a road sign test. The DMV provides study guides and sample tests in many languages.
- Pass a vision exam, and if this is your first license, schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with an insured vehicle.
- Pay your driver’s license fee. In 2026, the fee for a regular Class C license is $46.
If you pass the required tests, you’ll get a temporary permit while your official AB 60 license is processed and mailed to you. Be sure to clear up any outstanding fines or suspensions, as unresolved issues could delay or prevent the issuance of your license.
For more details about the application process, visit the DMV’s AB 60 Driver License page.
What Does an Undocumented Person’s California Driver’s License Look Like?
A California AB 60 driver’s license bears the notation "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY." That means anyone reading might guess that you are not a U.S. citizen, but not necessarily. The same notation is given to California residents (including U.S. citizens) who don’t have what's known as a "REAL ID." A REAL ID is currently required for anyone who wants to board a commercial plane or engage in certain other federally related activities, such as entering secure federal buildings or accessing military bases.
Who Should NOT Apply for an AB 60 License in California?
If you have certain issues in your background, it’s wise to think twice before applying for an AB 60 license. In particular, be cautious if you have:
- a record of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (a DUI) or other criminal convictions
- ever been ordered deported (removed) from the United States or have a history of immigration enforcement holds, or
- previously used false documents to obtain a driver’s license or identification card.
If any of these situations apply to you, it’s important to talk to an immigration or criminal-defense attorney about the risks. A lawyer can help you understand whether applying for an AB 60 license could create difficulties for your immigration situation.
Will Having an AB 60 License Make Me a Target for Immigration Authorities?
AB 60 prohibits discrimination against undocumented people who hold California driver's licenses. California police do not, for the most part, turn over undocumented people to federal immigration enforcement agents.
It remains true, however, that nothing stops federal immigration officials from arresting someone who holds an AB 60 license and can’t otherwise prove legal immigration status. For example, arrests could occur if federal agents encounter an individual during a home or workplace raid, place an immigration hold after an arrest and time in custody, or access DMV records while searching for a specific person.
For many undocumented immigrants, this reality can create ongoing fear and uncertainty, even when following all state laws. Recent years have seen shifts in federal enforcement priorities and tactics, leading to increased targeting of undocumented individuals in various settings. While AB 60 provides critical state-level protections, license holders should remain aware that their information could become accessible to federal authorities and that the risk of detention or deportation remains. For those concerned about their vulnerability, consulting an immigration lawyer or a trusted legal resource is strongly recommended.
Where to Go for More Information
If you are an undocumented person living in California and would like a driver's license, visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for more specific guidance. You will also find suggestions regarding what documents to submit on the AB 60 license and AB 60 Checklist pages of the DMV website.